He begins by saying that he'd spent over nine hours responding to angry letters. "That I hurt anyone by what I said, and I did hurt many, disgusts me," he said. "It was not at all my intent but it most certainly was the result." He continues:

I have had a life of depression. Some days are excruciating. Knowing what I know and having been through what I have, I should have known better but I obviously did not. I get so mad when I hear that someone has died this way. Not mad at them, mad at whatever got them there and that no one magically appeared to somehow save them.

I am not asking for a break from the caning, take me to the woodshed as much as you see fit. If what I said has caused you to be done with me, I get it.

He says he's written a follow-up column, which will run on Monday.

"I am deeply sorry," he wrote. "Down to my marrow. I can’t think that means anything to you, but I am. Completely sorry. It is not of my interest to hurt anyone but I know I did."